Posted on April 16 2020

Canada: Study permits and immigration applications continue to be processed

By 

Anshul Singhal

, Editor

Updated May 10 2023

Even with coronavirus special measures, Canada continues with the processing of study permits and immigration applications.  Despite the travel ban in place till June 30, certain people have been exempted from the ban. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [IRCC] is also accepting and processing Canada visa and eTA applications for those exempted.   Visitors, workers and students that qualify for an exemption from the current travel restrictions have been asked to apply online.  While applications continue to be accepted and processed by IRCC, a special focus is on Temporary Foreign Worker [TFW] applications that are connected to food supply chain services and essential medical services in Canada. Study permits  Currently, only those international students can travel to Canada that have a Canadian study permit issued before March 18, 2020.  According to IRCC, study permit applications will continue to be processed to the “extent possible” ahead of the Fall academic term in Canada. IRCC is committed to a timely processing of study permit applications so that the Fall 2020 registration cycle is not affected.  As many visa application centres that collect biometric data have been temporarily closed in view of COVID-19, study permit applicants have now been allotted 90 days to provide their biometric data. Usually, the time provided for submitting biometrics is 30 days. Permanent residents IRCC has confirmed that it continues to accept as well as process applications submitted for Canada immigration.  Express Entry profiles can also be created.  As of now, only those Canada permanent residents can travel to Canada that have had their Canada PR applications approved prior to the travel restrictions being imposed. To prove their Canada PR status, a Confirmation of Permanent Residence [COPR] document or a permanent resident visa will have to be provided to the airlines during check-in.  If you are looking to Migrate, Study, Invest, Visit, or Work Overseas, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No. 1 Immigration & Visa Company. If you found this blog engaging, you may also like … 2020 starts off as a big year for Express Entry